Print of a Dutch VOC Fort on the Peninsula Trincomalee, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), 1726
€ 270
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1726
Sheet size
34 × 21 cm (13.4 × 8.3 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13424-46
Condition
Almost excellent condition, especially considering its age. The margin on the left is short, but enough space for proper matting. One folding line is hardly visible. The coloring is from recent years.
About this sheet
Dutch print with the title: Platte Grond van t'Fort Tricoen male met de daar aangelegen Pagoods-Berg (Trincomalee, Sri Lanka)
The map is taken from: 'Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indiën' van François Valentyn.
1) Ottens, Frederik (engraver / etcher) 2) Braam, J. van (publisher) 3) Linden, Gerard onder de (publisher)
This detailed map unveils Fort Frederick and the surrounding peninsula situated on Sri Lanka's northeastern coast. Originally featured in Francois Valentyn's "Oud en Nieuw Oost Indien," it presents a comprehensive view of the fort, depicting its numerous buildings and defensive structures meticulously.
Highlighted with intricate detail, the map showcases Fort Frederick's layout, accentuating its architectural features and defenses. Notably, it includes essential cartographic elements such as a scale bar and a compass rose, enhancing its navigational utility.
Historically, the Dutch maritime ventures in Sri Lanka began in 1603 with the arrival of the first Dutch fleet at Trincomalee and Batticaloa ports. In 1660, the Dutch erected Fort Frederick at the base of what they referred to as Pagoda Hill. Simultaneously, another stronghold named Fort Ostenburg was constructed at the harbor mouth, marking the Dutch presence and strategic fortification in the region.
